Photo By: Bryan Sheffield

Chicago turns into a punk rock haven this weekend for the 4th year in a row with the return of Riot Fest. 40+ bands will be playing throughout the weekend at the Double Door, House of Blues, the Cobra Lounge, and an all ages show Sunday at The Congress Theater. The line-up is filled with a diverse mix including the reuniting of ALL. Also on the list are Jay Reatard, Horrorpops, Paint it Black, and Reagan Youth among others.

ALARM’s Picks:

Horrorpops (Sunday @ Congress Theater): Danish pyschobilly three-piece hits the main stage Sunday as part of their supporting their recent release Kiss Kiss Kill Kill (Hell Cat). Featuring Patricia Day’s sultry vocals and Kim Nekroman’s “coffin bass,” their Chicago stop on their “All Hallows Eve Tour” will undoubtedly put concertgoers in the mood for Halloween.

Lawrence Arms (Friday @ HOB): Outspoken Chicago pop-punk trio headlines House of Blues on opening night, launching the festival with their rowdy

D.O.A.: (Sat. @ Double Door, Sun. @ Congress): With 30 years behind them and no signs of slowing down, the legendary Vancouver hardcore trio, led by Joey “Shithead” Keithley, are one of the most anticipated acts of the weekend.

Paint it Black (Sunday @ Congress): Fronted by Dan Yemin of Lifetime/Kid Dynamite fame, the Philly-based hardcore quintet hits the Congress Theater in time to help close out the festival.

Municipal Waste (Sunday @ Congress): If you haven’t been to one of Municipal Waste’s shows, you might not know that this trash band is Out. Of. Control. Bring a diaper and be ready to take a ride on the “wall of death.”

Riot Fest: www.riotfest.org/